● Research1 reveals millions of Brits don’t realise using electricity at different times of the day could help them unlock savings

● 34% could be paying more than they need to because it isn’t always clear when electricity is cheaper

● Washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers account for 14% of a household’s energy bills2 – but using them off peak times can cut the cost of each cycle by more than half (up to 55%)

● New data from E.ON Next shows Brits have saved over £1.5 million3 by using electricity outside of peak times with its Next Smart Saver tariff

New research1 from E.ON Next shows almost 19 million4 people in the UK could be paying more than they need to for electricity by not using electricity at cheaper off-peak times.

The findings suggest widespread confusion around when electricity is cheapest, with 34% of people unaware they could pay less by using electricity at different times of day, and only a half of Brits (50%) say they understand what off peak electricity actually means.

A further 38% find tariffs that change price by time of day too complex to understand, stating it’s difficult to remember what times are classed as off-peak, which puts them off using time of use tariffs altogether (88%).

In response, E.ON Next is helping customers better understand the potential savings from using electricity at cheaper times of day, with households already saving over £1.5 million by shifting electricity use outside of peak hours on its Next Smart Saver tariff. New data from the energy provider shows how switching electricity behaviour from peak to off-peak hours can add up to significant savings, with the average cost of running a tumble dryer and a washing machine falling by 55% respectively5.

Julian Lennertz, Chief Commercial Officer at E.ON Next, says: “With household bills still under pressure, it’s understandable households remain concerned about their energy costs, which is why we’re committed to helping people save money through small changes.

“Our customers have collectively saved over £1.5 million so far on Next Smart Saver, proving that smarter energy use can make a real difference to household bills. And sometimes the change is surprisingly simple. Running your washing machine or tumble dryer outside peak hours could cut electricity costs by more than half.”

E.ON Next’s Next Smart Saver tariff allows customers to take advantage of cheaper prices when they use electricity at off-peak times. While charging a higher price during ‘peak’ hours, the tariff gives you the option to use electricity at a lower price during defined ‘off-peak’ and ‘super off-peak’ hours:

• Off-peak (5am-4pm and 7pm-2am) – two lower-cost periods which are ideal for using your large appliances like washing machine or dishwasher at 17.71p/kWh.

• Super off-peak (2am-5am) – the cheapest rate, ideal for charging up those electronic devices at 14.33p/kWh.

• Peak (4pm-7pm) – a higher-cost period reflecting national energy demand at 39.20p/kWh.

Switched to a time of use tariff and want to make the most of off-peak savings? Try these energy saving habit switch ups to save money on your bills.

1) Shift energy-intensive activities to off-peak hours - Run washing machines and dishwashers during off-peak hours

2) Time when you heat water - If you have an immersion heater, set it to heat during off-peak (or super off-peak) hours rather than during the day

3) Charge devices in the evening - Charge phones, laptops and even power banks during this time for a small saving which adds up overtime

4) Batch cook your meals - Make your meal prep in advance during off-peak hours in the oven, slow cooker or air fryer

5) Avoid peak-time tumble drying - Drying clothes is energy-intensive so try and tumble dry your clothes when it’s off-peak (during the day). Or for even more savings skip the tumble dryer completely and air dry your clothes

6) Pre-cool or pre-heat your home - If you use electric heating or an air conditioning unit, run it slightly more during off-peak hours to get your home to the right temperature

7) Install smart plugs or timers - Automate appliances to switch on during off-peak windows so you don’t have to think about it

8) Reduce standby waste - Even on off-peak rates, wasted electricity is still wasted money so turn off unused devices at the mains

9) Track your usage patterns - You don’t need to change everything at once but track your patterns and make small changes where you can

10) Install a smart thermostat or radiator valves – Smart heating controls can automatically adjust your heating to align with cheaper, off‑peak rates and give you more precise control over temperatures in each room, helping you avoid wasting energy.

Savings will vary depending on your home and tariff. Always follow manufacturer guidance and consider what’s practical and safe for your household. To find out more about E.ON Next’s time of use tariff, head to eonnext.com/tariffs/next-smart-saver.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Next Smart Saver 12m fixed-term tariff offers off-peak electricity rates (5am-4pm, 7pm-2am) and super off-peak rates (2-5am), 7 days a week. T&Cs apply.

1. Research conducted on behalf of E.ON Next by 3Gem between 1 – 5 May 2026 with 1,000 UK adults 18+.

2. According to The Energy Saving Trust

3. Savings figure based on the accumulated annual savings calculated for all eligible live and non-live customers who signed up to Next Smart Saver for 30 days or more, Customers have saved by consuming less electricity in peak times on Next Smart Saver compared to an average customer with an unrestricted electricity meter. Cumulative saving over £1.5 million correct as of 15 April 2026. Direct Debit payments required. T&Cs apply.

4. Figure of almost 19 million households (18,850,000) calculated by applying the proportion of survey respondents not currently on a time of use tariff (65%) to the total number of UK households (29 million ONS, 2025)

5. Peak rate on the E.ON Next Smart Saver tariff is 39.20p/kWh (4pm–7pm). Off-peak rate is 17.71p/kWh. A tumble dryer uses an average of 4.5kWh per cycle, costing £1.76 at peak and 80p at off-peak — a saving of 55%. A washing machine uses an average of 1kWh per cycle, costing 39p at peak and 18p at off-peak — a saving of 55%. Combined saving per wash and dry cycle is £1.18.

Research in detail:

Research showed 34% of Brits have no idea they could be paying less if they used electricity off-peak, only 50% know what off-peak actually means and a further 43% don’t know the difference between which hours in the day are off-peak and which are peak. Equally, only 31% know how to time their electricity usage so it’s cheaper.

About E.ON Next

E.ON Next is committed to providing innovative energy solutions that empower customers while contributing to a sustainable future. With a focus on affordability and customer satisfaction, E.ON Next offers a range of products and services designed to meet the evolving needs of households across the UK. www.eonnext.com

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